Commercial Support Manager

Department of Defence; Port Stephens; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BDCP eligibility

Job summary

The Department of Defence’s ASCISPO invites applications for Commercial Support Manager to lead complex contract management and provide commercial advice across capability programs. The role emphasises governance, compliance and strategic supplier management within Defence policy.

Based at Williamtown, NSW, the position supports procurement, contract management, risk assessment and capability development, contributing to delivery outcomes and ensuring Defence objectives are met.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex contracts in large, regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of procurement, contracting and commercial governance.
• Ability to provide strategic commercial advice to senior executives and manage risks.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience mentoring and developing staff in contract management.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial advice and support to contract managers and project personnel.
• Maintain commercial governance frameworks, policies, templates and guidance.
• Monitor and report on contractual obligations, deliverables and commercial activities.
• Identify commercial risks and contract change requirements with mitigation plans.
• Support development of commercial capabilities within ASCISPO through guidance and knowledge sharing.

Job description

The Commercial Support Manager is responsible for leading complex contract management activities and providing commercial advice and support across the capability lifecycle. Working under broad direction within an integrated workforce, the successful applicant will contribute to ASCISPO's commercial governance, assurance, procurement and contract management functions, while ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks, Defence policy and contractual obligations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing commercial advice and support to contract managers, project personnel and stakeholders across ASCISPO capability programs.
• Managing and maintaining commercial governance frameworks, including procurement and contracting policies, processes, templates and guidance.
• Monitoring and reporting on contractual obligations, deliverables and key commercial activities to support compliance and performance outcomes.
• Identifying commercial risks and contract change requirements and developing mitigation strategies in accordance with Defence policy and contractual frameworks.
• Supporting the development of commercial capability within ASCISPO through mentoring, guidance and knowledge sharing activities.

This role is eligible for an additional remuneration benefit known in Defence as a Building Defence Capability Payment (BDCP). This enables Defence to provide a premium, in addition to the base salary otherwise payable under the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement (DECA), for positions in occupational disciplines/classifications that are critical to Defence capability. For further information, please contact the contact officer.

About our Team

Airborne Surveillance Control and Intelligence Systems Program Office (ASCISPO) plays a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s airborne surveillance capability. Working with leading industry partners and international military services, we deliver engineering, maintenance, logistics, and training support for the Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail fleet—and we’re driving the acquisition of its next-generation replacement.

Part of Defence’s capability delivery agency, our integrated team includes Australian Public Servants, Australian Defence Force personnel and industry experts, and is primarily based at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW—with a small presence in the USA.

At ASCISPO, we pride ourselves on our workplace culture. We:

• Build trust through partnerships that deliver real capability outcomes.
• Empower bold decision-making through informed risk assessment.
• Champion flexibility and creativity to deliver timely solutions.
• Prioritise balance and well-being so our people thrive.
• Invest in growth and learning, and celebrate diversity Join the team that is Trusted to Deliver.

Our Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex contracts and delivering commercial outcomes in large, complex, or highly regulated environments, including the management of strategic suppliers and high-value agreements.
• A strong understanding of procurement, contracting and commercial governance principles, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, contractual frameworks and government requirements.
• The ability to provide strategic commercial advice to senior executives, identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities, and contribute to organisational objectives through effective contract and supplier management.
• The ability to analyse complex issues, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Experience mentoring and supporting staff to develop commercial acumen and contract management capability.

Appointment to this position will be conditional upon approval to access US controlled export material in accordance with the United States Arms Export Control Act.

Eligibility

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers